The Process of Cognitive Walkthrough
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Understanding Cognitive Walkthrough
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Today, we're going to discuss a usability method called the Cognitive Walkthrough. Can anyone tell me what they think this method assesses?
Does it assess how easy a system is to use for new users?
Exactly! The Cognitive Walkthrough helps us evaluate learnability, particularly for first-time users. We want to see if they can complete tasks without prior training. What do you think is important to know before we start a walkthrough?
We need to know the specific task and the user's background!
Correct! Knowing the target task and user profile is crucial. Letβs remember this with the acronym 'TUP' for Task, User, Profile. Can anyone think of a task we might evaluate?
How about registering an account on a new website?
Great example! Let's keep 'TUP' in mind as we explore further. The next step of the CW process is defining the action sequence.
Identifying the Correct Action Sequence
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Let's talk about identifying the correct action sequence for our registration task. Why do you think this step is important?
It helps us know exactly what steps the user needs to take to complete the task.
Exactly! By knowing the action sequence, we can anticipate the userβs flow. Now, can anyone remember some questions we will ask during the walkthrough?
Will the user notice the correct action is available?
That's right! We want to check the visibility of the necessary controls. Remember this key question: 'Will the user try to achieve the right effect?' Now let's see how this flows into our next step.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough and Key Questions
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As we conduct the walkthrough, we will use four key questions. What is the first question?
Will the user try to achieve the right effect?
Correct! The second question asks if the user will notice the correct action. Can someone explain why this is crucial?
If they canβt find the action, they won't be able to complete the task!
Perfect! If they donβt notice it, it can lead to frustration. Can anyone share what the third question is?
Will the user associate the correct action with the effect to be achieved?
Good job! This all relates back to the user's mental model. Lastly, what feedback should we expect?
We need to see if the user will see that progress is being made!
Exactly! Now letβs summarize what weβve covered. We discussed the importance of identifying tasks and user profiles, knowing the action sequence, and posed key questions during a walkthrough.
Recording Problems and Rationales
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After we identify usability problems during the walkthrough, how should we document them?
We should write down the specific step where the problem occurs.
Exactly! And what else should we include?
The question that was violated and a description of the problem.
Perfect! Additionally, adding rationale helps understand why users may struggle at that step. Can anyone see how this might guide improvements?
It'll help the design team know where to focus their fixes!
Absolutely! Clear documentation makes the feedback actionable.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section delves into the Cognitive Walkthrough process, outlining its goal to assess the learnability of a system for first-time users. By asking a series of guided questions during a step-by-step interaction, evaluators identify usability problems that may hinder the user's ability to complete tasks effectively without prior training.
Detailed
Detailed Summary of The Cognitive Walkthrough Process
The Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) is a usability inspection method designed to assess the learnability of an interactive system specifically for new users who are unaware of its functionalities. This method focuses on understanding how easy it is for first-time users to complete specific tasks without prior training or extensive documentation. The CW process includes several key steps:
- Define the Task and User Profile: Evaluators must select a specific, representative task that first-time users would typically attempt (e.g., registering an account). Additionally, it is crucial to characterize the target user, as their previous knowledge and expectations affect their interactions.
- Identify the Correct Action Sequence: Evaluators determine the precise sequence of steps the user needs to take within the system to accomplish the defined task.
- Step-by-Step Walkthrough and Questioning: The evaluators undertake a detailed walkthrough of each step, asking structured questions to simulate a new user's perspective. Key questions include whether users will recognize the action needed (discoverability), if the action is clearly visible (visibility), if the correct action correlates with the intended outcome (mapping), and whether feedback is clearly provided on progress.
- Record Problems and Rationale: Any identified usability issues are documented in relation to the questions that highlighted them, allowing for a clear proposal of improvements.
The significance of the Cognitive Walkthrough lies in its capability to unveil potential hurdles in user learnability, fostering the development of intuitive interfaces that facilitate positive user experiences.
Key Concepts
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Task and User Profile: Understanding who the user is and what task they will perform is essential for an effective Cognitive Walkthrough.
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Action Sequence: The specific steps identified for a given task constitute the flow that the user will follow.
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Discoverability and Visibility: Ensuring that users can easily find and understand how to interact with the interface is critical.
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Feedback: Providing clear feedback helps users understand if they are making progress toward their goals.
Examples & Applications
A task like 'reset password' can be difficult for new users if the reset button is not easily visible or if feedback after pressing it is ambiguous.
If a user is asked to 'save' their work, they might not know to look for a disk icon if it is not labeled clearly.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When learning the tool, donβt forget the fools; Ask the questions right, make the path bright.
Stories
Imagine a user trying to register for a site only to find they can't locate buttons; through the CW, we help them discover the right paths to register easily.
Memory Tools
Remember 'TUP' for Task, User, Profile to begin your cognitive walkthrough.
Acronyms
CW for Cognitive Walkthrough and 'DEAR' for Define task, Evaluate sequence, Ask questions, Record problems.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Cognitive Walkthrough
A usability inspection method that assesses learnability for new users by simulating their steps during task performance.
- Task Profile
A defined, specific task a user will perform in a system, which is critical for evaluating usability.
- Action Sequence
The exact steps a user must take to complete a task in the system.
- Discoverability
How easily users can find the controls they need to complete tasks.
- Visibility
The degree to which necessary functionality can be noticed and accessed by the user.
- Feedback
The information presented to users that confirms their actions and informs them about the system's current state.
Reference links
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